McDonald's coming to Forks' town center

While many residents petitioned against the restaurant, the township cites need for more businesses.

June 20, 2014|By Christy Potter, Special to The Morning Call

McDonald's has cleared the last major hurdle to start construction on a restaurant in Forks Township.

During its meeting Thursday night, the Board of Supervisors gave preliminary final approval for construction of the restaurant, with a drive-thru, in the shopping center at Sullivan Trail and Town Center Boulevard.

The fast-food giant has already received the various necessary state and local approvals.

Mike Jeitner, an engineer for the project from Bohler Engineering of Center Valley, told supervisors the plan is under final review by the state Department of Transportation.

While many area residents petitioned the township to not allow the restaurant, the township has moved ahead, citing the need for more businesses in Forks to offset the residential districts. The 68-seat restaurant will occupy less than an acre of what is now a paved parking lot behind Rita's Italian Ice and across from the Giant supermarket. CVS is across Town Center Boulevard.

In response to requests from the township, McDonald's has added upgrades to the intersection, including an additional sidewalk, additional parking, and after a last-minute request from Supervisor Dan Martyak, a bicycle rack.

Under instructions from the township Planning Commission, McDonald's engineers have extended the median on Town Center Boulevard to prevent cars driving out of McDonald's and cutting across Town Center Boulevard to get to CVS.

Supervisor Erick Chuss said that although he knows some residents are still not in favor of the project, a fast-food restaurant is an approved type of business within the town center zoning district. The only part of the application that was conditional was the drive-thru, Chuss said.

"The fact is, everybody felt this is an appropriate location for a fast-food restaurant," he said. "This was an appropriate use for that site. I'm sure McDonald's will be a good tenant with regard to trash and that sort of thing, and if there are other traffic concerns we can address those later."

McDonald's representatives said they anticipate starting construction in September and opening in December. While the drive-thru will be open 24 hours, the interior will close late in the evening.